Lyre-tipped Spreadwing
Lestes unguiculatus
This record describes Lestes unguiculatus (species). Recorded family: Lestidae. Recorded order: Odonata.
Identification and Appearance
Abdomen metallic green in male, pruinosity on segment 8 with dark triangle on top. Distinctive lyre-shaped paraprocts.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open ponds, pools, slow parts of streams.
Geographic Range
Band across north-central North America: West Virginia north to Nova Scotia, west to British Columbia, Pacific Northwest, south to Oklahoma, Texas. May occur sporadically in mid-Atlantic states.
Seasonal Activity
Summer-fall. June (Texas). June-November (Maine). June-October (Ontario).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author of species is Hagen, 1861.
About Dragonflies and Damselflies: the wider group
Order-level background for Odonata, the group containing Lestes unguiculatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Odonata includes ~6,000 described species of dragonflies and damselflies. Dragonflies are among the fastest flying insects, reaching 36 mph (58 km/h). They can fly in any direction including backward, and hover in place - each wing operates independently.
Ecological role of the group
Dragonflies predate dinosaurs by nearly 100 million years - fossils date to 325 million years ago. The largest dragonfly ancestor, Meganeuropsis permiana (285 mya), had a 75cm wingspan, enabled by atmospheric oxygen levels of 31-35% compared to today's 21%. Dragonflies have a 95% hunting success rate - the highest of any predator.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Dragonflies are voracious predators that consume hundreds of mosquitoes daily, providing natural pest control worth millions in reduced mosquito-borne disease risk. A single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day.
Recorded sources for this group: Natural History Museum London, Britannica, fossil record research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Lyre-tipped Spreadwing (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Joshua Stuart Rose , Ted Kropiewnicki
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyre-tipped Spreadwing
What is Lyre-tipped Spreadwing?
Lyre-tipped Spreadwing (Lestes unguiculatus) is a species in the family Lestidae, within the order Odonata.
How big is Lyre-tipped Spreadwing?
Length 31-44 mm
How do you identify Lyre-tipped Spreadwing?
Abdomen metallic green in male, pruinosity on segment 8 with dark triangle on top. Distinctive lyre-shaped paraprocts.
Where is Lyre-tipped Spreadwing found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open ponds, pools, slow parts of streams. |
| Range | Band across north-central North America: West Virginia north to Nova Scotia, west to British Columbia, Pacific Northwest, south to Oklahoma, Texas. May occur sporadically in mid-Atlantic states. |
When is Lyre-tipped Spreadwing active?
Lyre-tipped Spreadwing: seasonal activity - Summer-fall. June (Texas). June-November (Maine). June-October (Ontario)..